The Importance of Density Driven Circulation in Well Mixed Estuaries: The Tampa Bay Experience

This paper addresses the importance of the effects of baroclinicity in subtidal dynamics of a well mixed estuary, Tampa Bay. The analysis is based upon numerical simulations using a three-dimensional, time-dependent ocean circulation model. A series of barotropic and baroclinic simulations was performed and resulting residual currents and salinity distributions were compared. The paper demonstrates that baroclinicity is a dominant factor for subtidal dynamics and should be considered as a primary driving force behind long term transport and dispersion processes in Tampa Bay.